Overview

The part-time Executive PhD programme in Private Sector Development (preferably for emerging economies) allows working professionals and researchers with full-time or part-time jobs to combine their careers with obtaining a PhD. The programme equips you with the theory, skills, and methodologies crucial for addressing private sector challenges.

Key facts

As the highest academic qualification, earning a PhD will enhance your career prospects in both business and academia. Whether you aspire senior leadership roles, a transition into academia, or becoming a recognised thought leader, this programme provides the knowledge and research capabilities to help you achieve your goals. In addition, you will make an original contribution to your field of interest by developing novel insights and practical solutions to contemporary management challenges.
The MSM Executive PhD programme emphasises empirical research, high ethical standards, and critical reflection, ensuring that your work meets academic rigor while having a real-world impact. Throughout your journey, you will benefit from the guidance of leading scholars and expert supervisors, who will support you in conducting research that is both theoretically robust and managerially relevant.
By joining the programme from Maastricht School of Management , you will become part of the stimulating and challenging research community of Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE) and Maastricht School of Management (MSM).

Accreditation

Maastricht School of Management (MSM) is part of the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE). SBE has been awarded three prestigious accreditations, AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, resulting in what is known as the Triple Crown accreditation. Only 1% of business schools worldwide can boast this honour, many of which are SBE partner institutes.

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Programme Structure

Research topics include:

Private sector development (in general)
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Digitisation
Educational Development
Globalisation, Value Chains and Industrial Policy
Inclusive and Sustainable Development
Leadership, Change and Organisational Development

Audience

We are looking for candidates with a Master’s degree who have strong academic records, professional and/or volunteer experience, affiliation with academic research and a special interest in private sector development. MSM welcomes candidates from all over the world from a wide wide variety of backgrounds, cultures and disciplines. The programme is tailored to synergise the various backgrounds.

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Key information

Duration

Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7

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Delivered

Blended

Fully structured
Continuous support with feedback on request, Proactive tutoring and support
Online group works/assignments

Campus Location

Maastricht, Netherlands

Disciplines

Entrepreneurship Sustainable Development Leadership

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Please note that all documents need to be provided digitally in our online application portal; official documents need to be scanned:

A Master’s degree from a relevant academic field;
Certified copies of bachelor’s and master’s diplomas and transcript;
Proof of proficiency in English – the minimum level accepted is 600 PBT, 100 ICT or 240 CBT (TOEFL) or 7.0 (IELTS). Native speakers and students who have received their bachelor’s or master’s education in English are exempted
Basic understanding of mathematics and statistics;

Basic knowledge of economics, business administration, social sciences, political science and/or law;
At least an intermediate level of research experience

Motivation letter (400- 500 words)

Two reference letters by current or former professors or employers (a reference request can be sent directly via our application portal

Provide your first research ideas in the form of a PhD research proposal (template available on the website).

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

9000 EUR / year

≈ 9000 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

9000 EUR / year

≈ 9000 EUR / year

Additional Details

Year one € 9,000
Subsequent years € 7,000
Application fee (non refundable) € 95

Living costs

Maastricht

Netherlands

700 - 1170 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.